Michigan Library Association

Update on COVID-19 Impacts on State of Michigan Budget

May 28, 2020

Staggering revenue declines for the State of Michigan were announced at the May 15 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC). Officials agreed that for the current fiscal year, the state’s General Fund will see a $1.98 billion decrease in revenue, while the School Aid Fund will see a $1.25 billion hit.

Furthermore, current estimates show a total decrease of $6.3 billion for both funds combined in the current and upcoming fiscal years. State Budget Director Chris Kolb noted that given the unprecedented health crisis the state of Michigan is facing right now, flexibility and additional funding from the federal government are crucial to ensure Michigan and states across the country can continue working on behalf of the people.

2022 MLA Equity Fund Grant Applications Accepted Through June 3

The 2022 MLA Equity Fund Grant application is open through June 3, 2022. Equity Fund Grants aim to reduce financial barriers to professional development opportunities and support individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession. Please help us share this individual grant opportunity by sharing this information with colleagues and staff who are not currently MLA members. Learn more and apply at milibraries.org/mla-equity-fund

Call for Ambassadors 2022-2023

The Call for Ambassador online signup for 2022-2023 workgroups and committees is now open!! Applications are accepted through April 29, 2022. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you! Review available volunteer positions and sign up on the web at www.milibraries.org/get-involved

The Call for Ambassadors is now open for members interested in serving on MLA workgroups and committees. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your professional network, and represent MLA!

All MLA members are eligible to volunteer for workgroups and committees. Nonmembers interested in volunteering are welcome to join MLA by filling out the online membership application or by contacting us at (517) 394-2774 or [email protected].

Check out available opportunities to get involved on the web and complete the online ambassador application by Friday, April 29, 2022.

Call to Action: Urge Governor Whitmer to Allow Libraries to Begin Curbside Services

Updated -- May 20, 2020

MLA is here to help our libraries be totally prepared for the eventual phased-in reopening of their facilities and their services. Libraries across Michigan are now preparing individualized phased-in reopening plans and library administrators are being very careful and thoughtful to take into consideration staff and patron protections from the continued spread and/or a resurgence of the coronavirus. Many libraries are ready to begin implementing curbside services. We are now asking the Governor to allow libraries to offer curbside and no-contact pickup services.

Executive Order 2020-75 Extends Order Allowing Remote Public Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 6, 2020

Tonight, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-75, which extends a previous Executive Order that allows public bodies to conduct remote public meetings during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 75 expires on June 30, 2020.

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